20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp

This 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this easy shrimp recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. The sweet and savory sauce pairs beautifully with brown rice and vegetables, making it a complete meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Big Flavor: The combination of honey and garlic creates a deliciously sticky sauce that elevates the shrimp.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over brown rice, steamed vegetables, or toss it in a salad for a refreshing twist.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and low in calories, this shrimp recipe fits perfectly into any clean eating plan.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the sweetness to match your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make this 20 minute honey garlic shrimp recipe, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your cooking process and enhance your overall experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick skillet
• Medium bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Large sealable container or zipped-top bag

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick skillet: Prevents shrimp from sticking while ensuring an even cook and easy cleanup.
• Medium bowl: Ideal for mixing the marinade ingredients without spills or mess.
• Whisk or fork: Helps combine the marinade components smoothly for maximum flavor infusion.

Ingredients

This flavorful dish requires just a handful of ingredients:

For the Sauce

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (we usually use reduced sodium)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon jarred minced garlic)
• optional: 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb medium uncooked shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• optional for garnish: chopped green onion

How to Make 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ginger (if using) in a medium bowl. This mixture will serve as both marinade and sauce.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Place the shrimp in a large sealable container or zipped-top bag. Pour half of the marinade over the shrimp. Shake or stir to coat thoroughly. Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes up to 8-12 hours. Cover and refrigerate the remaining marinade for later use.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated shrimp to the skillet (discard used marinade). Cook on one side until pink, about 45 seconds. Flip each shrimp over carefully.

Step 4: Add Remaining Sauce

Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet with cooked shrimp. Cook until shrimp are fully cooked through—this should take about an additional 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Serve Your Dish

Serve your honey garlic shrimp with cooked marinade sauce drizzled on top. Garnish with chopped green onion if desired. This dish goes wonderfully with brown rice and steamed vegetables on the side!

How to Serve 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp

This 20 minute honey garlic shrimp recipe is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it in various ways to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Over Brown Rice

• Serve the shrimp on a bed of fluffy brown rice. The rice absorbs the sweet and savory sauce, making for a satisfying meal.

In a Salad

• Toss the honey garlic shrimp with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and avocado for a fresh salad. Drizzle with extra soy sauce or your favorite dressing.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Pair the shrimp with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. The vegetables add crunch and color, complementing the dish perfectly.

In Tacos

• Use corn or flour tortillas to create shrimp tacos. Top with cabbage slaw and a squeeze of lime for a zesty kick.

As an Appetizer

• Serve the shrimp as an appetizer at your next gathering. Skewer them on toothpicks for easy eating and serve with dipping sauce.

Mixed into Stir-Fry

• Incorporate the shrimp into a stir-fry with bell peppers and snap peas. This quick dish is packed with flavor and nutrients.

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How to Perfect 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp

To ensure your honey garlic shrimp turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the flavors significantly compared to jarred options.
• Don’t overcook: Shrimp cooks quickly; watch them closely to avoid rubbery texture.
• Marinate properly: Allowing the shrimp to marinate for at least 15 minutes allows flavors to penetrate deeply.
• Control heat: Adjust your stove’s heat as necessary; too high can burn the sauce while cooking.
• Experiment with spices: Add red pepper flakes or sesame oil for extra warmth and richness.
• Garnish well: Chopped green onions or sesame seeds add visual appeal and freshness to your dish.

Best Side Dishes for 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp

Complement your 20 minute honey garlic shrimp with delicious side dishes that enhance its flavor profile.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious crunch that pairs well with the sweet sauce.
2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance of flavors.
3. Garlic Noodles: Tossed in butter and garlic, these noodles make for a flavorful side that complements the shrimp beautifully.
4. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with honey garlic flavors; roast until tender.
5. Cabbage Slaw: A crisp slaw adds great texture; toss it in a light vinaigrette for added zing.
6. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs creates a hearty base that soaks up all that delicious sauce.
7. Edamame Beans: Lightly salted edamame provide protein and pair excellently as a finger-food side dish.
8. Grilled Asparagus: Slightly charred asparagus adds depth of flavor while being simple to prepare.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp, a few common errors can detract from the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Using too much marinade: Over-marinating can lead to overly salty shrimp. Stick to the recommended marinating time for best results.
• Skipping the marinating step: Marinating adds essential flavor. Even a quick 15-minute soak enhances the dish significantly.
• Not preheating the skillet: If the skillet isn’t hot enough, shrimp may cook unevenly. Always preheat for even cooking.
• Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly; overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. Aim for a cooking time of just 1-2 minutes after flipping.
• Neglecting the garnish: A sprinkle of green onion elevates presentation and flavor. Don’t skip this simple yet effective step.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow shrimp to cool before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezing 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Label with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place shrimp in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place shrimp on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short intervals, checking every 30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to avoid drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp?

This recipe is quick! You can have it ready in just about 20 minutes, including prep and cooking time.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them completely before marinating and cooking for best results.

What should I serve with honey garlic shrimp?

This dish pairs wonderfully with brown rice, steamed vegetables, or even over a fresh salad.

How can I customize this recipe?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas during cooking for extra nutrition and color.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños into the marinade or during cooking.

Final Thoughts

The 20 Minute Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe is not only quick but also bursting with flavor. Its versatility makes it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings alike. Customize it with your favorite veggies or adjust the sweetness level of the sauce to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!